Fun fights are a good way to keep fans invested in MMA.

The ones that boo are the ones that want those slugfests. They don't want to see crisp technique; they want to see slobberknocker fights. Adama Diop showed he can deliver fights like that because who doesn't love an underdog.

The Senegalese fighter made history as the first fighter from the region signed to the UFC, although Dana White didn't do it in the best fashion.

Championship Rounds @ChampRDS Dana White just COOKED Adama Diop and still signed him to the UFC 😭😭 "Your fight was horrible, sloppy, and one of the worst fights I've ever seen. Your stand-up is horrible. You're 31 years old... Don't f*cking make me regret this." #DWCS 12:44 AM • Sep 30, 2026 277 Retweets 10566 Likes Read 111 replies

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While that may seem like a cruel take from White, he's always said he's in the business of selling "Holy Sh*t" moments, and Diop is someone who can create some. He was the underdog against Zaurbek Sabanov, who was the better striker in their exchanges.

But Diop put together just the right number of takedown attempts, using his version of striking to pull off the win.

It's pretty much what made for a fun fight.

Plus, Diop had the cardio to deliver what Sabanov couldn't. That's worth taking note of.

I could see him getting booked against Gable Stevenson, Derrick Lewis, or even Tai Tuivasa, if he's still on the roster.

Who do you think he'll get booked against?

Taking notes on this and other events?

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